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Best Easy Loaded Nacho Bar for Game Day

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Print Recipe

A build-your-own nacho bar with seasoned beef, creamy beans, melty cheese, and fresh toppings, perfect for feeding a crowd on game day.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large bag (13–16 oz) restaurant-style tortilla chips
  • 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • ½ cup pickled jalapeños
  • 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
  • 1 cup pico de gallo or fresh salsa
  • 1 large avocado, diced
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges
  • Optional: sliced black olives, diced red onion, hot sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned (6-8 minutes). Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon.
  3. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add 2-3 tablespoons water if dry. Set aside.
  4. Spread a single layer of tortilla chips on the prepared baking sheet.
  5. Sprinkle half of the Mexican blend cheese evenly over the chips.
  6. Scatter the seasoned beef, black beans, and diced green chiles over the cheese. Add pickled jalapeños if using.
  7. Sprinkle the remaining Mexican blend cheese and sharp cheddar on top.
  8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbling. For extra browning, broil for 1-2 minutes, watching closely.
  9. Remove from oven. Dollop sour cream over the hot nachos. Sprinkle with diced avocado, pico de gallo, and cilantro. Squeeze lime wedges over everything.
  10. Serve immediately from the baking sheet.

Notes

For best results, use room-temperature cheese and drain beans well. Add fresh toppings after baking to prevent sogginess. Nachos are best within 10 minutes of coming out of the oven.

Nutrition

Keywords: nachos, game day, loaded nachos, easy appetizer, party food, ground beef nachos

Find it online: https://evabake.com/best-easy-loaded-nacho-bar-for-game-day/